While Artificial Insemination (AI) has been the mainstay breeding methodology of dairy and stud beef herds, there is an increasing shift towards AI in commercial beef herds. The big driver of this is the uptake of fixed time AI so that large mobs of cattle can be mated on the same day. Using this technology, beef producers are now able to better manage the genetics of their herd to meet the market they are selling into.

The obvious advantage of AI in beef herds is that proven sires with highly reliable estimated breeding values (EBVs) can be used to increase the genetic merit of the mob. Traits lacking in the herd can be identified and bred in. EBV traits are classified into several categories which help you to select bulls to suit your needs. The traits reported are:

1. Calving ease - a highly important, highly valuable trait. This is a ‘no-brainer’ for anyone who has bred cattle.

2. Growth traits - these are reported as 200, 400 and 600 day weights which enables you to tailor growth rates to meet target markets.  

3. Maternal traits - reflect the amount of milk the dam produces. Obviously the more milk, the faster the calf grows.

4. Fertility traits - genetics play an important role in the fertility of both males and females. These traits can be manipulated to so that progeny reach puberty at an earlier age, and conceive earlier in the joining period.

5. Carcase traits - These traits contribute to producing cattle suited to your target market. Traits such as eye muscle area, rib fat, rump fat, intra-muscular fat and retail beef yield can all be selected for. Depending on your target market and your current herd, your preferences will vary.

If you'd like more information about AI and your beef herd, give us a call. 

Last newsletter, we highlighted that between 30-40% of Australian sheep flocks are infested with lice. So if you’re among the 60-70% of Australian sheep flocks which aren’t infested, it’s worth staying that way. New infestations can be avoided, but it requires planning, vigilance, preventative measures and stock-proof fencing. Here are a few essential things to know to keep lice out of your flock.

Lice require sheep to live

No stages of the lice life cycle can live very long without sheep. They like nice warm temperatures around 36-38 degrees, and most lice will die within a week when separated from sheep.
Lice need sheep to complete their life cycle - they cannot survive hanging on a wool dag on the fence post.

The most significant source of infestations is other infested sheep

The most common way lice are introduced to a flock is by either stray or purchased lousy sheep.
Although possible, less commonly infestations are introduced by human vectors, such as on shearer's moccasins if they haven’t been decontaminated.

Treatment and quarantine policy

If buying sheep from a low risk property, quarantine should be all that is required.
If buying from a high risk property or you have stray or straying sheep among your flock, quarantine and treatment is very important.
Check out the LiceBoss treatment guide for more information.

Remember lice build up slowly

It can be 3-6 months into a new lice infestation before sheep are seen rubbing or lice can be found. In the right scenario, lice can avoid detection for over 12 months. 

Sarcoids are common skin lumps of horses and ponies, and often look similar to warts. They are a type of tumour believed to be caused a virus spread from cattle to horses by flies and are more common in horses living in close proximity to cattle.

Common areas affected include around the genitals, head and lower body. Several different types of sarcoids are recognised including nodular and fibroblastic.

Should I be worried? Most sarcoids are benign and not life threatening. However they can be problematic if they are near the eyes, growing rapidly or unsightly. They are often removed for cosmetic reasons.

A number of different treatment options for sarcoids available and no one treatment is completely effective. Surgery, freezing, ointments and injections are commonly used, often in combination. Occasionally treatment or biopsy may aggravate the tumour causing it to grow rapidly therefore many innocuous sarcoids should be left alone.

Please contact us to discuss any worrying lumps on your horse.